Meet the NYC-CBT Leadership Team.
President
Jessica Latack, Ph.D.
It is an honor to write to you as the incoming President of NYC-CBT. What has always distinguished this organization is the strength of its community, and as I step into this role, I find myself reflecting on the importance of connection—both within our profession and in the work we do every day. Connection is at the heart of effective therapy, meaningful collaboration, and the vibrant professional community we have built together.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing President, Lindsay Tulchin, whose leadership has strengthened this organization in ways that will benefit our members for years to come. Lindsay has been a thoughtful, dedicated, and generous steward of NYC-CBT, and we are deeply grateful for the strong foundation she leaves for us to build upon.
Our mission as an association is to advance the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy, support the professional growth of our members, and promote access to evidence-based care throughout our community. As I begin my term, I am excited to focus on several key priorities:
Deepening Connection Among Members
I want NYC-CBT to be a place where colleagues not only learn together, but genuinely know and support one another. To help foster those connections, we will continue to host regular networking events. We are also developing a searchable membership directory that will make it easier to identify colleagues by specialty, population, or clinical approach—whether for consultation, referrals, collaboration, or simply conversation. Strong professional communities do not emerge by chance; they are built through intentional opportunities to connect.
Expanding Access to Evidence-Based Practice and Thought Leadership
Our field continues to evolve, and staying current is both essential and challenging. NYC-CBT will continue to provide members opportunities to learn directly from leading voices in CBT through workshops and presentations that translate cutting-edge research into practical clinical tools.
Investing in Students and Early-Career Professionals
Mentorship has long been one of the greatest strengths of our field, and I believe it should remain a defining feature of our organization. Students and early-career clinicians bring fresh perspectives, curiosity, and energy to our community. By creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship and professional development, we can help cultivate the next generation of CBT practitioners and leaders.
The continued success of NYC-CBT depends on the engagement, ideas, and contributions of its members. Each of you brings valuable expertise, experience, and insight that enriches our community. Through our shared commitment to learning, collaboration, and service, we can continue to strengthen our organization and expand our impact.
In the years ahead, I hope you will remain actively involved, share your ideas, and take advantage of opportunities to connect with fellow members. Together, we can build on the remarkable foundation that has already been established while continuing to advance the practice and understanding of CBT.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and look forward to working alongside all of you in the years ahead.
Director and Founder, Central Park Psychological Services
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College
Supervising Psychologist, The Motherhood Center of New York
Website: www.centralparkpsych.com
Past President
Lindsay Tulchin, PhD
As I reflect on my time as President of NYC-CBT, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served this organization and, most importantly, this community.
One of the things I have valued most about NYC-CBT is the way our community continues to show up for one another -to learn together, connect, share ideas, and strengthen the work we do. Over the past two years, our board has worked incredibly hard to create meaningful opportunities for both education and connection, from outstanding workshops and presentations to networking events that brought our community together in a more informal way. I am so appreciative of the time, energy, creativity, and commitment each member of the board has contributed.
I’m also excited that one of the initiatives we’ve been working toward, a new NYC-CBT membership directory, will be rolling out soon. My hope is that it will make it even easier for our members to find one another, connect, collaborate, and refer within this wonderful professional community.
As I step into the role of Past President, I am thrilled to welcome Jess Latack as NYC-CBT’s next President. I have the utmost trust in Jess’s ability to lead this organization. She brings thoughtfulness, dedication, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to NYC-CBT, and I know the organization will be in excellent hands under her leadership.
It has truly been an honor to serve as President. Thank you to our board, our members, and everyone who has participated in and supported NYC-CBT. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to remain involved as Past President.
Private Practice, New York, NY (and PSYPACT)
Partner and Director, NY Cognitive (www.nycognitive.com)
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College
Adjunct Clinicial Supervisor, Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Website: www.lindsaytulchin.com
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Dianne Hezel, Ph.D.
President-Elect/Events Co-Chair
Private Practice, New York, NY
Clinical Researcher, Center for OCD and Related Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medical Psychology in Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
Website: www.diannehezelphd.com
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Robert Leahy, PhD
Honorary Lifetime President
Distinguished Founding Fellow - Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Recipient of Aaron T Beck Award
Clinical Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry - Weill Cornell Medical College
Recipient of Outstanding Clinician Award, ABCT
Author/Editor of 29 books (in 23 languages)
Former President of ABCT, Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and International Association of Cognitive Psychotherapy
Website: www.cognitivetherapynyc.com
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Olivia Sahlman, Psy.D.
Executive Secretary - Membership Chair
Licensed clinical psychologist - New York Anxiety Treatment
Supervisor - New York Anxiety Treatment
Graduate of Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
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Marina Gershkovich, Ph.D., ABPP
Treasurer
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Board-Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology
Adjunct Faculty, NYU Silver Post-Master's Certificate in Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Website: www.drgershkovich.com
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Rachel Freed, Ph.D.
Representative at Large
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice, New York, NY
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Website: www.rachelfreedphd.com
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Mary Gallagher, Psy.D.
Representative at Large/ Events Co-Chair
Private Practice, Brooklyn, NY
Adjunct Clinical Professor at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Website: https://www.drmarycgallagher.com
Our Committees
EVENTS
Dianne Hezel -Co-Chairperson
Mary Gallagher -Co-Chairperson
Miranda Beltzer
Lily Durwood
Amanda Kornblum
Marisa Radulescu
Paige Scrofani
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
Rachel Freed - Chairperson
Lindsay Tulchin
Jenna Feldman
Sharon Batista
Jesse Finkelstein
Madeline Schupak (tech/social media)
MEMBERSHIP
Olivia Sahlman - Chairperson
Founding Members
Anne Marie Albano, PhD
Doris Chang, PhD
Suzanne Davino, PhD
Susan Evans, PhD
Baruch Fishman, PhD
Jonathan Kaplan, PhD
Robert Leahy, PhD
Lata McGinn, PhD
Deborah Melamed, PhD
Alec Miller, PhD
Katherine Muller, PsyD
Lisa Napolitano, PhD
Simon Rego, PsyD
Laura Reigada, PhD
Shireen Rizvi, PhD
Robert Schachter, EdD
Dennis Tirch, PhD
Deborah Walder, PhD
Rene Zweig, PhD